Iowa wolves recover in New Mexico

Published 9:49 AM MST Jan 09, 2013

RAMAH, N.M. -

They're called the "Iowa Nine," and the wolves are making a remarkable recovery in New Mexico.

The wolves were rescued by the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah last fall. The animals are slowly gaining weight, getting the health care they need and have 20 times more space to roam free in. They were found in horrible conditions in Iowa on the brink of being euthanized.

Wild Spirt Wolf Sanctuary director Layton Cougar and general manager Geroge Stapleton led the team who saved the wolves.

“The day Layton and I went there, I don't know if I can put it into words," said Stapleton about discovering the wolves in tiny, filthy spaces.

The hope is to get The Iowa Nine into a larger habitat, but it will be expensive. This will be added onto the $40,000 needed to care for each wolf for its life time.

Wolves thrive at Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

1 of 9

The wolves at the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary near Ramah, N.M. are thriving even in the snowy weather.